Ah…the allure of the small. The tiny fly and the frustration that goes along with tying and fishing these morsels appeals to a certain group of fly anglers – gluttons for punishment all. I have to admit I am inclined toward this sub-genre of fly fishing. As an attempt to further marginalize myself I thought that I’d explore the darkness and small loneliness in the niche of tiny tenkara flies.
Actually, there was a post on the Tenkara USA Forum regarding small tenkara flies – it got me thinking…maybe I should tie some diminutive sakasa kebari. Sakasa kebari are the “reverse-hackle” style tenkara fly. These flies are meant to be subtly manipulated so that the hackle pulses enticingly. Do I think tiny sakasa kebari are necessary or even very practical? No, not really. But tied them, so I figured I’d share them. These are all tied on size 22 Orvis scud hooks.
Black Midge Sakasa Kebari:
Hook: Size 22 Scud Hook
Body: Black Thread
Ribbing: Silver Crystal Flash
Collar: Peacock Herl
Hackle: Starling
Red and Grizzly Sakasa Kebari:
Hook: Size 22 Scud Hook
Body: Red Thread
Ribbing: Silver Crystal Flash
Collar: Peacock Herl
Hackle: Grizzly Rooster
Yellow and Grouse Sakasa Kebari:
Hook: Size 22 Scud Hook
Body: Yellow Thread
Collar: Peacock Herl
Hackle: Grouse
Amazing. Beautifully done. So small so perfect
Thanks for the comment! This past Monday I got out on Spring Creek (in central PA) and managed some nice fish on the black micro sakasa kebari midge – they went after it with abandon, it’s a keeper!
There was a spring creek I used to fish when I lived back east where a #20 was considered huge. The fish were over-educated and the co-conspiracy among local anglers was that they would only take #22, #24, or #26 on an 8X tippet. That was it. Of course, that was during my pre-tenkara days. I wonder now if I could go back there and convince them with a #12 sakasa kebari. I kind of think I could but will have to put my money where my mouth is during the next family reunion. Great flies and great post Anthony!